U.S. patent application number 12/151473 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for system and method for managing use and availability of equipment.
Invention is credited to David Matthew Campbell.
Application Number | 20080281664 12/151473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39970368 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080281664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; David Matthew |
November 13, 2008 |
System and method for managing use and availability of
equipment
Abstract
A system and method is disclosed for managing use and
availability of equipment on a jobsite. The system includes a group
of equipment units being available to be reserved and/or used by
pre-approved users. A control panel is provided on each of the
units of equipment to facilitate operation of the corresponding
unit associated therewith. At least a first indicator is included
with each of the control panels for displaying an indication
whether the corresponding unit is reserved. At least one input
receiving device is included with each of the control panels for
inputting authorization input provided by a pre-approved user. At
least one memory device is included with each of the control
panels. A processor is included with each of the control panels
adapted to verify the authorization input through comparison of a
list of authorized inputs stored in the memory device with the
authorization input. Once the authorization input is verified, the
system authorizes the pre-approved user to reserve the
corresponding unit.
Inventors: |
Campbell; David Matthew;
(Upper Marlboro, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARTIN & FERRARO, LLP
1557 LAKE O'PINES STREET, NE
HARTVILLE
OH
44632
US
|
Family ID: |
39970368 |
Appl. No.: |
12/151473 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60928022 |
May 7, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/5 ; 705/1.1;
705/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20130101;
G06Q 10/02 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/8 ; 705/1;
705/34 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A method for managing use and availability of units of equipment
on a jobsite, comprising: providing the units of equipment to the
jobsite; placing a control panel on each of the units of equipment;
making the units of equipment available on a first-come,
first-serve basis to a group of users pre-approved to reserve
and/or use the units of equipment; requiring a user from the group
of pre-approved users to provide authorization input to the control
panel to reserve and/or use one unit of the units of equipment;
comparing the authorization input to a list of authorized inputs;
authorizing, if the authorization input corresponds one of the
authorized inputs, the user to reserve the one unit of the units of
equipment for a specified period of time; and permitting the user
of a reserved unit to actuate the reserved unit, and to use the
reserved unit during the specified period of time.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising initially evaluating
the available manpower and work being performed on the jobsite, so
as to provide an appropriate number of the units of equipment is to
the jobsite.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising determining a number
of the units of equipment reserved, and tracking usage of each of
the units of equipment reserved.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising correlating the
available manpower and the work being performed on the jobsite to
the number of the units of equipment reserved and the usage of each
of the units of equipment reserved, and adjusting the appropriate
number of the units of equipment to be provided to the jobsite.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising prohibiting
unauthorized use of the reserved unit via the control panel by
interrupting actuation of the unit.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising prohibiting a second
user to reserve and/or use the reserved unit when reserved by the
user.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring the user to
provide the specified period of time to the control panel.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising dividing the group of
users into at least a first group and a second group, wherein the
first sub-group and the second sub-group have a billing rate
different from one another.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising billing the user for
the specified period of time that the reserved unit is
reserved.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising setting a billing
rate for reserving the reserved unit according to the length of the
specified period of time.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the billing rate is greater for
shorter lengths of time than for longer lengths of time.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising tracking usage of the
reserved unit via the control panel, and billing the user for use
over the specified period of time.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising tracking usage of the
reserved unit via the control panel, and billing the user is
credited for use under the specified period of time.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising tracking usage via a
remote data center in communication with each of the control panels
of the units of equipment provided to the jobsite, and scheduling
maintenance when usage of each of the units of equipment surpasses
a specified threshold.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising measuring energy
usage by the reserved unit, and billing the user for the energy
usage.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether
the reserved unit requires recharging and/or refueling, and billing
the user if the reserved unit is not recharged and/or refueled.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an
interface accessible by the user over the Internet, and permitting
the user to access billing information through the interface.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the control
panel with a locating device communicating with a remote data
center, and determining at the remote data center the location of
each of the units of equipment using the locating device.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing an
interface communicating with the remote data center over the
Internet, the interface permitting the user to locate a specific
one of the units of equipment.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining a
billing rate for reserving and using the one of the units of
equipment according to whether the reserved unit is returned to a
specified location.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining a
billing rate for reserving and using the one of the units of
equipment according to whether the reserved unit is removed from a
specified location.
22. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing the
comparison of the authorization input provided by the user and the
list of authorized users via the processor of the control
panel.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein, when comparing the
authorization input to the list of authorized inputs, utilizing a
database containing the list of authorized inputs stored in a
memory device provided at the control panel.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein, when comparing the
authorization input to the list of authorized inputs, communicating
via the control panel with a remote data center, and utilizing a
database containing the list of authorized inputs stored in a
memory device provided at the remote data center.
25. A system for managing use and availability of equipment on a
jobsite, comprising: a group of equipment units, each unit of said
group of equipment units available to be reserved and/or used by
pre-approved users; a control panel provided on each unit of said
group of equipment units, each of said control panels facilitating
operation of the corresponding unit associated therewith; at least
a first indicator included with each of said control panels, each
of said first indicators displaying an indication whether the
corresponding unit is reserved; at least one input receiving device
included with each of said control panels, each of said at least
one input receiving devices for inputting authorization input
provided by one of the pre-approved users; at least one memory
device included with each of said control panels, each of said
memory device including a list of authorized inputs; a processor
included with each of said control panels adapted to verify the
authorization input through comparison with the list of authorized
inputs; a remote data center including a database containing the
list of authorized inputs, the remote data center communicating
with each of said control panels to periodically update each of
said memory devices with an updated version of the list of
authorized inputs; and each of said at least one input receiving
devices being operable, upon verification of the authorization
input, to permit the one of the authorized users to reserve the
corresponding unit.
26. The system of claim 25, further comprising an actuation
mechanism associated with each of said control panels, each of said
actuation mechanisms starting the corresponding unit upon actuation
thereof by the one of the authorized users.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein said at least one memory device
also records usage of the corresponding unit to bill the one of the
authorized users for the usage.
28. The system of claim 25, wherein said at least one input
receiving device is one of a keypad, a touch screen, an RFID
receiver, a swipe card reader, and a bar code reader.
29. The system of claim 25, wherein the authorization input is a
code embedded in one of an RFID chip, a magnetic stripe, and a bar
code.
30. The system of claim 25, wherein said first indicator included
with each of said control panels is one of being a component of
each of said control panels, a component hardwired to each of said
control panels, and a component wirelessly connected to each of
said control panels.
31. The system of claim 25, wherein said at least one input
receiving device included with each of said control panels is one
of being a component of each of said control panels, a component
hardwired to each of said control panels, and a component
wirelessly connected to each of said control panels.
32. The system of claim 25, wherein said remote data center
communicates with each of said control panels by at least one of a
hardwire, a wireless connection, and an intervening storage
device.
33. The system of claim 25, wherein said first indicator is one of
an illuminated element and a raised structural component.
34. The system of claim 25, further comprising a display included
with each of said control panels, each of said displays displaying
one of billing rates and scheduling information for the
corresponding unit.
35. The system of claim 25, further comprising an interface
accessible by the pre-approved users over the Internet, said
interface permitting the pre-approved users to access billing
information through the interface.
36. The system of claim 25, further comprising a locating device
associated with each of said control panels, each of said locating
devices communicating with said remote data center to determine the
location of the corresponding unit.
37. The system of claim 36, further comprising an interface
communicating with said remote data center over the Internet, said
interface permitting the pre-approved users to locate each unit of
said group of equipment units.
38. A method for managing use and availability of units of
equipment on a jobsite, comprising: approving a group of users to
reserve and/or use the units of equipment on the jobsite; providing
each user of the group of the users with an authorization input
facilitating reservation of the units of equipment on a first-come,
first-serve basis; requiring each user of the group of the users to
provide the authorization input to a control panel provided on each
of the units of equipment to reserve and/or use each of the units
of equipment; verifying the authenticity of the authorization input
entered by the user into the control panel of one of the units of
equipment; authorizing, if the authorization input is verified, the
user to reserve the one of the units of equipment for a specified
period of time; and permitting a reserved unit to be actuated by
the user and used by the user during the specified period of time.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/928,022 filed May 7, 2007; all of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is generally related to a system for
managing use and availability of motorized equipment on a jobsite.
More particularly, the present invention is related to a system of
providing motorized equipment to a jobsite, insuring that such
equipment is efficiently utilized, and allocating costs based on
the utilization of such equipment. More specifically, the present
invention is related to a system for providing users of motorized
equipment with an economic incentive for maximizing use
thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] In certain circumstances, groups of motorized equipment
units such as, but not limited to, scissor lifts, forklifts,
loaders, earth movers, air compressors, generators, and welding
units used at jobsites in, for example, construction, industrial,
mining, and warehouse settings are leased. In these circumstances,
the users pay for use of such units of motorized equipment during
the time period of conventional leases whether the equipment is
actually being utilized. Furthermore, the expense associated with
such units of motorized equipment is not limited to the lease
thereof. The users expend resources arranging for the provision of
such units of motorized equipment to the jobsites. As such, the
users of such units of motorized equipment expend time and money
arranging for the lease and transportation of such motorized
equipment to the jobsites, but may not make efficient use thereof
during the duration of the lease.
[0006] Additionally, because leasing such units of motorized
equipment is often expensive, potential users forego such motorized
equipment for relatively small jobs. If these small jobs take only
short periods of time to complete, the expense associated with
leasing such units of motorized equipment may not justify the
expense. Instead, these potential users have traditionally manually
completed these small jobs.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a system for providing
resources such as units of motorized equipment to jobsites, and
insuring the efficient use thereof. Such a system can provide
access to the units of motorized equipment on the jobsites, and
allocate costs to the users thereof based on whether the units have
been reserved and/or used. In doing so, the system can provide the
users with an economic incentive for maximizing use of the
motorized equipment, and also provides the users access to the
motorized equipment for various periods of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention in one preferred embodiment
contemplates a method for managing use and availability of units of
equipment on a jobsite including providing the units of equipment
to the jobsite; placing a control panel on each of the units of
equipment; making the units of equipment available on a first-come,
first-serve basis to a group of users pre-approved to reserve
and/or use the units of equipment; requiring a user from the group
of pre-approved users to provide authorization input to the control
panel to reserve and/or use one unit of the units of equipment;
comparing the authorization input to a list of authorized inputs;
authorizing, if the authorization input corresponds to one of the
authorized inputs, the user to reserve the one unit of the units of
equipment for a specified period of time; and permitting the user
of a reserved unit to actuate the reserved unit, and to use the
reserved unit during the specified period of time.
[0009] The present invention in a further preferred embodiment
contemplates a system for managing use and availability of
equipment on a jobsite including a group of equipment units, each
unit of the group of equipment units available to be reserved
and/or used by pre-approved users; a control panel provided on each
unit of the group of equipment units, each of the control panels
facilitating operation of the corresponding unit associated
therewith; at least a first indicator included with each of the
control panels, each of the first indicators displaying an
indication whether the corresponding unit is reserved; at least one
input receiving device included with each of the control panels,
each of the at least one input receiving devices for inputting
authorization input provided by one of the pre-approved users; at
least one memory device included with each of the control panels,
each of the memory devices including a list of authorized inputs; a
processor included with each of the control panels adapted to
verify the authorization input through comparison with the list of
authorized inputs; a remote data center including a database
containing the list of authorized inputs, the remote data center
communicating with each of the control panels to periodically
update each of the memory devices with an updated version of the
list of authorized inputs; and each of the at least one input
receiving devices being operable, upon verification of the
authorization input, to permit the one of the authorized users to
reserve the corresponding unit.
[0010] The present invention in another preferred embodiment
contemplates a method for managing use and availability of units of
equipment on a jobsite including approving a group of users to
reserve and/or use the units of equipment on the jobsite; providing
each user of the group of the users with an authorization input
facilitating reservation of the units of equipment on a first-come,
first-serve basis; requiring each user of the group of the users to
provide the authorization input to a control panel provided on each
of the units of equipment to reserve and/or use each of the units
of equipment; verifying the authenticity of the authorization input
entered by the user into the control panel of one of the units of
equipment; authorizing, if the authorization input is verified, the
user to reserve the one of the units of equipment for a specified
period of time; and permitting a reserved unit to be actuated by
the user and used by the user during the specified period of
time.
[0011] It is understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and exemplary
only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. Together with the description, they
serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of the
system according to the present invention for managing use and
availability of units of equipment on a jobsite.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flow chart further depicting a step of FIG. 1
for facilitating operation of the units of equipment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a scissor lift.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of components used in
the system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] The following description is intended to be representative
only and not limiting and many variations can be anticipated
according to these teachings. Reference will now be made in detail
to the preferred embodiments of this invention, examples of which
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a system according to one preferred embodiment
of the present invention which is generally indicated by the
numeral 10. System 10 is for managing use and availability of
resources such as a group of motorized equipment units used at
jobsites in, for example, construction, industrial, mining, and
warehouse settings. In doing so, system 10 can provide access to
potential users to the units of motorized equipment provided by a
provider on a jobsite. The potential users can reserve and/or use
the units of motorized equipment on a first-come, first-serve
basis, and system 10 can allocate costs associated with providing
such units of motorized equipment to the users thereof based on a
specified period of time the units have been reserved and/or used.
Accordingly, while system 10 provides the users access to the units
of motorized equipment, system 10 also provides the users with an
economic incentive to maximize the use thereof.
[0019] A control panel 14, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is provided
for facilitating use of system 10. Control panel 14 is provided on
the units of equipment provided to the jobsite for which system 10
is used for managing the use and availability thereof. Control
panel 14 controls operation of the units of equipment, and is
adapted for inputting, outputting, displaying, and processing
information regarding system 10. Using control panel 14, the units
of equipment can be reserved and/or used by a user. To that end,
control panel 14 can include first and second input receiving
devices, a display, a memory device, a processor, and a locating
device such as GPS (global positioning system) unit. Although the
first and second input receiving devices, the display, the memory
device, the processor, and the locating device are not shown, the
provision of such devices, after a reading of the below-discussed
uses thereof, is within understanding of one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0020] The first and second input receiving devices, the display,
the memory device, the processor, and the locating device can be
components of control panel 14, separate components hardwired to
control panel 14, or separate components wirelessly connected to
control panel 14. Furthermore, devices serving as the first and
second input receiving devices can include, for example, keypads,
touch screens, RFID receivers, swipe card readers, bar code
readers, etc. As discussed below, the user can enter input
information using the first or second input receiving devices, and,
if necessary, a corresponding input device (not shown) to
facilitate the units of equipment to be reserved and/or used.
[0021] Control panel 14, depending on whether the units of
equipment are powered by an electric motor or an internal
combustion engine, can be interconnected to the on/off switch (not
shown) or the ignition switch (not shown), respectively, of the
equipment. As such, control panel 14 can serve to control actuation
of the electric motor or the internal combustion engine powering
the equipment by interrupting the supply of electricity to the
electric motor or the supply of electricity and/or fuel to the
internal combustion engine.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows, for example, a scissor lift 12 for which
system 10 can be used. Scissor lift 12 is representative of the
units of equipment that system 10 can be used for managing the use
and availability thereof. However, system 10 should not be limited
to use in association with scissor lift 12. System 10 could also be
used in association with other motorized equipment including, for
example, forklifts, loaders, earth movers, air compressors,
generators, and welding units. Control panel 14 is provided on
scissor lift 12 to facilitate operation thereof. Control panel 14
is connected to the ignition system of scissor lift 12 to control
actuation thereof, and is adapted for inputting, outputting,
displaying, and processing information regarding system 10. As
discussed below, once authorized by control panel 14, scissor lift
12 can be reserved and/or used by the user.
[0023] Control panel 14 allows information to be inputted and
correlated with other information. For example, the input
information can include authorization input that is used to gain
access to scissor lift 12. The authorization input can be used, for
example, to identify the user or the user's employer, and/or
identify a defined period of time or number of instances that
scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or used. Accordingly, users
possessing the authorization input are pre-approved to reserve
and/or use scissor lift 12.
[0024] The memory device of control panel 14 can be used to record
usage information regarding scissor lift 12. In doing so, the
memory device can, for example, record the period of time that the
user has reserved and/or used scissor lift 12. The processor of
control panel 14 can then correlate the usage information to the
input information (i.e., identifying the user or the user's
employer, and/or identifying a defined period of time or number of
instances that scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or used). Such
input and correlated information is used to facilitate allocation
of costs to users of the equipment.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the input and correlated information can
ultimately be transferred from control panel 14 to a remotely
located data center or hub 20. Data center 20 can be a computer
configured to receive the input and correlated information,
manipulate such information, and communicate with offsite computers
22. Accordingly, data center 20 can communicate with control panel
14, can be programmed with software to manipulate the input and
correlated information, and can communicate with other computers
such as offsite computers 22 to allow users to access information
regarding system 10.
[0026] During use of system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, a provider
provides the units of equipment (e.g., scissor lift 12) to a
jobsite at step 24. The provider makes the units of equipment
available to potential users on a first-come, first-serve basis at
step 25. At step 26, system 10 facilitates authorized users to
operate the units of equipment. Thereafter, the authorized users
can be billed for the units of the equipment that have been
reserved and/or used at step 27; and, at step 28, the usage of the
units of equipment can be tracked, and the parameters of system 10
can be adjusted accordingly.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, step 26 is broken into sub-steps 30-48.
To facilitate operation of scissor lift 12, at shown in FIG. 2,
sub-step 30 initially prompts a user to enter the input information
such as the authorization input. The authorization input can be
code identifying the user or the user's employer, and/or
identifying a defined period of time or number of instances that
scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or used. Either way, the
authorization input is entered by pre-approved users possessing
such input using the first input receiving device of control panel
14.
[0028] To input the authorization input to control panel 14, the
user can use the input device such as an RFID chip, a magnetic
stripe, or a bar code embedded with the code to provide the
authorization input to the corresponding first input receiving
device. The RFID chip, the magnetic stripe, and the bar code could,
for example, be provided on a key card or key fob. Alternatively,
if the first input receiving device is a keypad or a touch screen,
the user can manually enter the code used as the authorization
input. If the authorization input does not correspond to account
information and/or reservation information, such additional input
information can also be entered at sub-step 30. Ultimately, the
authorization input and additional input information, such as
account information and/or reservation information, and any
correlated information is transferred to data center 20.
[0029] Thereafter, using the processor of control panel 14, the
authorization input is compared to a list of authorized inputs and
the availability of scissor lift 12 is determined at sub-step 32 to
verify that scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or used by the
user. The list of authorized inputs can be provided by data center
20, and can be stored in a database of a memory device at data
center 20 or the memory device of control panel 14. The list of
authorized inputs can be updated in the memory device of control
panel 14 and/or the authorized input compared thereto when control
panel 14 is communicating with data center 20. When using the
database stored in the memory device at data center 20, for
example, the authorized input can be communicated to data center 20
from control panel 14 (using the below-discussed methods of
communication) before the input and correlated information is
transferred at step 38. Furthermore, the list of authorized inputs
can be updated when, as discussed below, at steps 38 and 44 the
input and correlated information is transferred to data center 20.
If at sub-step 32 the processor associated with control panel 14
determines that the user is not authorized (e.g., incorrect
authorization input has been entered) to operate scissor lift 12
and/or that scissor lift 12 is unavailable, the processor can
initiate security protocols at sub-step 34. The security protocols
can serve to lock out use of scissor lift 12 temporarily until the
lock out is overridden. Once the lock out of scissor lift 12 is
overridden, system 10 again begins at sub-step 30. If the processor
associated with control panel 14 verifies the authorization input,
the user is authorized to reserve and/or use scissor lift 12, and
the input information is processed further at sub-step 36.
[0030] During processing at sub-step 36, the input information
identifying the authorized user or the authorized user's employer,
and/or identifying a defined period of time or number of instances
that scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or used can be correlated,
for example, with other information. As discussed above, the memory
device of control panel 14 can be used to record the usage
information regarding scissor lift 12. As such, the input
information can be correlated with the usage information recorded
by the memory device. For example, the input information can be
correlated with information such as the date and time that the
authorized user entered the input information, the time period that
scissor lift 12 has been authorized to be reserved and/or used, and
the time period that scissor lift 12 has actually been reserved
and/or used. Furthermore, if control panel 14 includes the locating
device, the input information can also be correlated with
information regarding the location of scissor lift 12.
[0031] At sub-step 38, the input and correlated information can be
transferred to data center 20, and/or stored for later transfer to
data center 20. The input and correlated information could be
transferred continuously or periodically during operation of
scissor lift 12. For example, the input and correlated information
can be transferred to data center 20 using wireless connectivity
thereto. For example, point-to-point technology such as Qualcomm's
Global TRACS devices could be used between control panel 14 and
data center 20. If the input and correlated information is
transferred periodically, the information could be stored by the
memory device of control panel 14 during the time intervals between
transfers. Thereafter, the input and correlated information could
be transferred wirelessly, or the memory device of control panel 14
could be hardwired to data center 20 or an intervening storage
device (not shown) to facilitate transfer of the input and
correlated information to data center 20.
[0032] At sub-step 40, scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or used
by the authorized user for a specified period of time. The
specified period of time corresponds to the time up until the user
has deactivated and deauthorized use of scissor lift 12 at sub-step
42, or, as discussed below, a reservation for an open block of time
on a particular date. As such, with verified authorization input at
sub-step 32, scissor lift 12 can be actuated or held for the
authorized user's sole use during the specified period of time.
Once actuated, the authorized user can use scissor lift 12.
Alternatively, control panel 14 can lock out use of scissor lift 12
for only the authorized user. In doing so, control panel 14
reserves scissor lift 12 for the authorized user's sole use during
the specified period of time and prevents other users from
actuating scissor lift 12. When locked out, control panel 14 can
require the input information to be reentered by the authorized
user to permit actuation thereof. Therefore, to reserve and/or use
scissor lift 12, the authorized user may be required to input the
authorization input to the first input receiving device a first
time at sub-step 30, and then to input the authorization input to
the first input receiving device a second time at sub-step 40.
[0033] In reserving scissor lift 12, the display of control panel
14 can be used. In one preferred embodiment, the display can be a
structural component included with control panel 14 that is, for
example, raised to indicate that scissor lift 12 is reserved. In
another preferred embodiment, the display can include two (2)
indicator lights or illuminated elements (not shown). After the
user has been authorized, the first indicator light can indicate
that scissor lift 12 is reserved, and the second indicator light
can indicate that scissor lift 12 is ready for use. For example,
the first indicator light can be alighted continuously if scissor
lift 12 has been reserved, and, accordingly, serve as an indication
to a potential user that scissor lift 12 is not currently available
for use. Therefore, when the first indicator light is alighted,
only the authorized user can use scissor lift 12. For example, if,
at sub-step 40, use of scissor lift 12 has been locked out by
control panel 14 (and, hence, the first indicator light is
alighted), the input information may be required to be reentered by
the authorized user to permit actuation of scissor lift 12.
Thereafter, the second indicator light would, for example, be
alighted, and the authorized user can actuate scissor lift 12 to
begin use thereof.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the display can be a
display screen forming computer-generated characters or symbols
thereon. As such, the display screen could be the touch screen used
as the input receiving device. The display screen, for example, can
read "reserved" and/or "ready for use" instead of or in addition to
utilizing the first and second indicator lights, respectively. The
display screen could also identify the authorized user or the
authorized user's employer who has reserved scissor lift 12,
indicate billing rates, indicate data and time information
detailing the time period that scissor lift 12 has been reserved
and/or used, and indicate, if the authorization input defines the
period of time or number of instances that scissor lift 12 can be
reserved and/or used, the remaining period of time or number of
instances.
[0035] The display screen could also display scheduling information
to allow a potential user to reserve and/or use scissor lift 12 at
a future date and time. In one preferred embodiment, even if the
scissor lift 12 is currently reserved for another user, the display
screen could display blocks of time on particular dates that
scissor lift 12 is open to be reserved and/or used. Thereafter,
using the first or second input receiving devices, the potential
user can make a reservation for an open block of time on a
particular date for use of scissor lift 12. For example, if the
first or second input receiving devices are keypads or touch
screens, the potential user can enter input information
facilitating reservation of the open block of time on the
particular date. Once reserved, control panel 14 will lock out use
of scissor lift 12 for only the authorized user during that period
of time.
[0036] At sub-step 42, the processor associated with control panel
14 determines whether the authorized user has deactivated and
deauthorized use of scissor lift 12. If use of scissor lift 12 has
not been deactivated and deauthorized, scissor lift 12 can continue
to be actuated and/or held for the authorized user's sole use
during the specified period of time. However, if scissor lift 12
has been deactivated and deauthorized, control panel 14 completes
transfer of the input and correlated information to data center 20
at sub-step 44, and is reset at sub-step 46. To deauthorize use of
scissor lift 12, control panel 14 can simply require that scissor
lift 12 be deactivated, include a button (not shown) that can be
actuated, or require the input information to be reentered.
[0037] Once transfer of the input and correlated information at
sub-step 44 is completed, data center 20 can further process such
information at sub-step 48. As discussed above, the correlated
information can be usage information correlated with the input
information identifying the authorized user or the authorized
user's employer, and/or identifying a defined period of time or
number of instances that scissor lift 12 can be reserved and/or
used. Furthermore, data center 20 can be programmed with accounting
and billing software. At step 27, as shown in FIG. 1, the
accounting and billing software can be used to allocate the costs
associated with the use of the equipment to the authorized user.
For example, with the information provided by control panel 14, the
authorized user can be billed for the period of time that scissor
lift 12 was reserved and/or used. That is, the authorized user can
be billed for the time which scissor lift 12 was actuated, the time
scissor lift 12 was held for the authorized user's sole use, or
both.
[0038] Billing rates for the units of equipment under system 10 can
vary depending on a number of factors. Different users, for
example, can negotiate different billing rates, and, hence, can be
grouped according to such billing rates. As discussed above, the
authorized user can be billed for the period of time that the unit
of equipment (e.g., scissor lift 12) was reserved and/or used
thereby. Furthermore, the authorized user can be billed for use
over the time of the reservation, or can be credited for use under
the time of the reservation.
[0039] The billing rate for the period of time can also vary
depending on the period of time. For example, the billing rate can
be greater for shorter lengths of time than for longer lengths of
time. However, even though the billing rate can be greater for
shorter lengths of time using system 10, the expense to the
authorized user could potentially be less than for conventional
leases of the units of equipment. With conventional leases, users
pay for use of the units of equipment during the time period
thereof whether the equipment is actually being utilized. However,
under system 10, a user can be billed for the period of time that
the unit of equipment is used. Hence, if the user requires only
intermittent use of the unit of equipment over a particular time
period, the expense to the user could be less than a conventional
lease over that particular time period.
[0040] Control panel 14 also can be adapted for measuring the
amount of energy used by the authorized user. The authorized user
can be billed for such energy usage, and also billed if the unit of
equipment is not recharged and/or refueled after being deactivated
and deauthorized. If control panel 14 is provided with the locating
device, then the authorized user can be billed when, for example,
scissor lift 12 is not returned to a specified location on the
jobsite. The authorized user can also be billed if scissor lift 12
is removed from a specified location on the jobsite.
[0041] As discussed above, at step 28, system 10 also can be used
in tracking usage of the units of equipment on the jobsite, and
adjusting parameters of the system accordingly. In doing so, the
data center 20 can also be programmed with software to correlate
usage information of the units of equipment with other information
to develop usage statistics therefor. For example, the software of
data center 20 can be used to determine if the usage of the units
of equipment necessitates maintenance thereof, and can schedule
maintenance for the units of equipment accordingly.
[0042] Furthermore, at step 28, the software of data center 20 also
can be used to adjust the number of units of equipment provided to
the jobsite. For example, to determine an appropriate number of
units of equipment to provide to the jobsite at step 24, the
provider will initially evaluate available manpower and work being
done on the jobsite. Using system 10, the usage of the units of
equipment reserved can be tracked and correlated to the available
manpower and the work being performed on the jobsite. Thereafter,
at step 28, the appropriate number of units of equipment can be
adjusted upwardly or downwardly by the provider. As such, the
number of the units of equipment provided by the provider to the
jobsite can be optimized.
[0043] Data center 20 can also, as discussed above, be configured
to communicate with other computers such as offsite computers 22
using, for example, the Internet. As such, information can be
transferred back and forth between data center 20 and other
computers, which in certain preferred embodiments include offsite
computers 22. For example, using an interface communicating with
data center 20, the user using offsite computers 22 can access
available information from data center 20 related to use of scissor
lift 12. Furthermore, data center 20 and offsite computers 22 can
be programmed to allow users to determine the availability of a
particular scissor lift 12. If control panel 14 is provided with
the locating device, the location of a particular scissor lift 12
could also be determined. Accordingly, once the availability and
location of a particular scissor lift 12 is ascertained, the user
can locate that scissor lift 12 so that it can be reserved and/or
used.
[0044] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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